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I N V E S T

SECOND NATURE

From a Himalayan sanctuary to a royal retreat, staycation-friendly second homes are made of this. Take your pick from the

best luxury projects around the world. By SONALI SHAH

casa address

In each room, the distinct colour palette is inspired by the artworks that ornament the walls

FOR THE ART AFICIONADO PIRAMAL ARANYA BY PIRAMAL REALTY, MUMBAISituated between the lush botanical gardens of Jijamata Udyan and the

Arabian Sea, this project claims a spectacular spot in the city’s skyline. And while the verdant surroundings have inspired its name and design (‘aranya’ is Sanksrit for forest), the main attraction is the art. A range of works, sourced from the Piramal Museum of Art, adorns the experience centre, curated to showcase the journey of modern and contemporary Indian art. Among this

extensive collection is a commissioned installation by artist duo Thukral & Tagra, which draws inspiration from the 26 varieties of the 286 plant species

found in the botanical garden. What’s more, the spacious 2 to 5-BHK apartments come with access to a spa, cafe and library lounge, and a heated

swimming pool. Sounds like the perfect vacation in the making, doesn’t it?

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Viva houses a 90-metre cricket field built around a valley

The property will feature 72 state-of-the-art apartments

FOR THE ROYAL LEADNO 1 PALACE STREET BY NORTHACRE, LONDONIf sharing a neighbourhood with the Queen of England is something you’d love to bring up in conversation, then No 1 Palace Street is where you should be looking. As the only residential property opposite Buckingham Palace, it holds a prolific history—it was built in 1861 as a hotel, and hosted Queen Victoria’s guests. The property’s 72 options range from one-bedroom apartments to penthouses, each unique in layout and custom-designed by Northacre’s interior design division, N Studio. It also encompasses five iconic architectural styles that begin with 1860’s Grade II Listed Italianate Renaissance and include 1880’s French Renaissance, 1880’s French Beaux Arts, 1890’s Queen Anne and contemporary. Open to all residents is the over 10,000 sq-ft facility that includes personal training suites, treatment rooms and impressive private pools. Arguably the best residential location for anyone with a regal fascination, it is due for completion in 2020.

FOR THE CHILL SEEKER

VIVA BY K RAHEJA CORP, PUNE

Spread over 77 acres in Pirangut (10 km from Pune), with only four villas

per acre, this property offers plenty of open space. And, making the most of this advantage is—wait for it—a cricket

field, in what’s a rarity for residential projects. Professionally managed and maintained at international standards,

it comes complete with pavilion seating and a floodlit ground, giving

teams the opportunity to play a proper one-day match, and allowing

children to safely play late into the evenings. The serene neighbourhood

encompasses independent bungalows, twin villas and town

houses, as well as two well-equipped clubhouses spread over 40,000 sq ft and an organic farm. Conceptualised

by Singapore-based Site Concepts, Viva reflects traits of Indo-Portuguese

architecture. Plus, the gardens have been planted to ensure bloom and

fruits throughout the year.

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With ample greenery and blue waters, Urbana feels like a serene sanctuary within a city

Myst is India’s first property that is biophilic in design

The apartments come with concierge and

housekeeping services

FOR THE PERFECT HOSTSKY VILLAS BY CENTRAL PARK, GURUGRAMImagine living large in your private 4-level abode, with a dedicated space for throwing parties. At these uber-luxurious penthouses, located on the 16th floor of a condo, classic designs meet in the perfect combination of art and functionality. Planned by celebrated global design firm Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK) Intl Ltd, the Sky Villas are ornate without being overbearing. The lower level houses a living room, kitchen and dining area; the upper level has the master suite with a balcony and a luxurious bathroom; the remaining two levels are reserved for entertaining. Building on the concept of a live-in resort, the property boasts 20 acres of greenery, gourmet restaurants and a bar, plus scope for sports like golf and badminton. On the mezzanine floor lies the serene pool, which can easily become the most-loved area of the house, while the private terrace—featuring a barbecue corner, open-air theatre and pantry—makes for the ultimate party pad.

FOR THE NATURE LOVERMYST BY TATA HOUSING, KASAULI

There’s no better location than the Himalayan foothills for those who crave conscious living. Myst is a gated community of eco-

luxury residences, built along a hilltop near Kasauli around three cascading rivulets. The ecology and topography of the site were

studied before planning the design, alongside the plantation of specific trees that attract rare wildlife. Ranging from double-

level 2-bedroom town houses to 5-bedroom multi-level villas, the residences flaunt fireplaces, tall green walls in the shower

areas and, for some, a gallery to indulge in birdwatching.

FOR THE SPORTS ENTHUSIASTURBANA BY BENGAL NRI COMPLEX LTD, KOLKATA

This 66-acre project stands right in the middle of the city. The heavyweight joint project between the Government of West Bengal and six other developers features a massive

1,00,000 sq-ft clubhouse—the largest in east India—and a host of activities guaranteed to egg on the athlete in you. We’re talking three levels packed with fitness, gaming, sports,

dining and entertainment options. Whether you feel like competing in a game of squash, exercising your poker face in the cards room, unwinding in a sauna after a refreshing swim in

an infinity pool or staying centred in the yoga room, Club Urbana has got you covered. Its two towers, Insignia and Signature, offer a selection of spacious 3 to 4-BHK apartments,

penthouses and duplex apartments. Equipped with air-conditioning and designed for maximum space utilization, they afford breathtaking views of the rolling greens below.